Including walks and nature reserves in Hampshire
If you are looking for the best lakes in Hampshire to take the kids to for a walk or to see the amazing wildlife that lakes have to offer then this post is for you.
Lakes and ponds can make a great day out when you are looking for something to do outside with the whole family.
We have a list of over 15 lakes in Hampshire that can bring you closer to nature, especially if you are looking for a day out that’s outside and pretty active.
Make sure you have a look at our other day out ideas for kids in Hampshire:
The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire
The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire
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18 of the Best Lakes in Hampshire
We have including everything from fishing lakes to wildlife lakes that are fun for the whole family to visit. You could take a picnic or cycle around these lakes and really enjoy being outside in Hampshire.
Frensham Great Pond
Right on the Hampshire border, Frensham Great Pond is a great family day out for the whole family. The land is pretty flat so great for cycling and the pond itself is home to so much local wildlife.
You can find Frensham Great Pond at GU10 2QB. There is a charge to park.
Basingstoke Canal
Over 32 miles long, Basingstoke Canal makes a great day out for the whole family. Follow the path along the river and enjoy the picturesque views and large grounds to enjoy. Bring a picnic and see how many boats you can spot or enjoy one of the many playgrounds that is along the river walk.
Black Dam Ponds
Close to the town center of Basingstoke, Black Dam Ponds is the home to so much wildlife. Make sure you take a short walk around the ponds or bring your bikes for a nice cycle. There is also a play area for smaller kids and car parking is free too.
You can find Black Dam Ponds at Black Dam Way, Basingstoke, RG21 3QR.
Anton Lakes
Also a nature reserve, Anton Lakes is close to the town center. The local wildlife is stunning and a great place for the whole family to enjoy in all weather. Put your wellies on in the rain and enjoy the squashy walk and see how many bugs you can find.
You can find Anton Lakes at Andover SP10 3SY.
Charlton Lakes
Based near the leisure center, Charlton Lakes offers everything you need for a fun family day out. During the summer months, the lakes host a range of activities from boating to carb fishing. There is a playground on-site and is pretty flat, so is great for cycling too.
Kings Pond
With over 10 acres of parkland, Kings Pond can be found along Ashdell Road. Parking is on-site and it’s a great place to bring your bikes or go for a walk when you need to get outside.
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
Bring the kids to Swanwick Lakes and enjoy all the wildlife that flocks there. It has on-site parking and loads of places to have a picnic. take a walk through the woods and see how many trees you can climb.
You can find Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve at Sopwith Way, Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7AY.
Canoe Lake
This amazing lake can be found right on the seafront. It has loads of parking and is right next to the model village.
Canoe Lake has everything you need for a fun family day out including a huge playground, cafe for treats, and a boating lake. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the local park by the sea.
You can find Canoe Lake at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO4 9RG.
Port Solent
Ok, so Port Solent isn’t really a lake but it’s part of the waterfront that offers fun for the whole family. They have shops, cafes, and a walk along the front to see how many boats you can spot. It’s pushchair friendly and a great way to enjoy the seafront.
You can find Port Solent at The Boardwalk, Portsmouth, PO6 4TP.
Great Salterns
This open grassland is great for a family day out. With reed beds and wild birds, this is a great place for kids who love animals. Bring a picnic in the warmer months and enjoy this flat landscape.
You can find Great Salterns at Burrfields Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5HH.
Baffins Pond
Home to loads of wildlife and birds, Baffins Pond also has a playground and green land. Bring a picnic and your bikes to really have a fun day out. There is parking on-site and it’s flat, so great for pushchairs too.
You can find Baffins Pond at Tangier Road, Portsmouth, PO3 6JN.
Langstone Harbor
This tranquil lake is home to many birds and wildlife from the local area. The harbor is home to many local fisher boats and it’s a great place to just stroll around and enjoy the great outdoors.
You can find Langstone Harbour at Ferry Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0DG.
Hilsea Lines
This ancient monument is the perfect woodland walk for the whole family. It has a fresh lake and many self-guided walks that are great for the ehole family.
You can find Hilsea Lines at PO3 5JH.
Beaulieu River
This river over 12 miles long and contains great walks for the whole family. Put on your wellies and enjoy a walk through the marshes and see what wildlife you can spot.
Lymington Marshes
This is a great walk that takes you through the marshes. Make sure you look out for all the natural wildlife that call the marshes their home. Dogs aren’t allowed in this part of the marshes as the wildlife can be scared easily. Make sure you pack your wellies on a rainy day as the ground can be quite soft.
You can find Lymington Marshes at Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, SO41 8AJ.
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids
- 9 Fun Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
- 33 Half Term Activities in Hampshire That Are Free
Cadmans Pool
Found in the New Forest, Cadmans Pool is great for picnics and walks with the whole family. There are loads of walking routes around the pond that are okay for pushchairs but can be a bit bumpy.
You can find Cadmans Pool using what3words ///resurgent.bitter.flamenco.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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